By robina1978
Once upon a time there was a young dragon, called Mareng.
He was the only child. The family lived between the woods and the sky. They had no house as the whole family flew from one place to the other. This usually was at huge speed. As a baby and toddler Mareng completely relied on his parents. They carried him on one of their backs or necks. When any danger occurred they spewed out huge flames: the flames were orange/red/purple. Just the colour chased most attackers away; if not the flames would get hotter and burn the attackers.
At the age of 6 years Mareng learnt this art from his parents. They first taught him to fly. That was a nice game. He picked it up like birds do: trial and error and small bits at a time. Then his parents brought him a gift: a mirror.
"What is this Mummy?" , Mareng asked.
His parents answered in chorus: "This is a mirror, dearest Mareng. If you look in it, what do you see?"
"Don't know, is it a small Mummy or Daddy perhaps?"
"No silly, it is you- can't you see- when you move you see moving in the mirror as well. And we are going to use it to teach you how to make these nice flames. You must have seen how we made them sometimes."
They took turns in showing him how to move his mouth and tongue. The a was not so difficult. But then it had to be 'oa', this gave a small red flame. And a tiny bit of smoke came with it. They used ei, ie, u, ue, ou, au and y. It was not like school, but more like a visit to a speech therapist. After about two months Mareng knew it all. He could make flames from small to big, smokey or not, and even more colourful than his parents' flames.
Mareng asked his parents: "Where do I go from here please?"
Mum and Dad said: "Go and find some friends to play with and practice carefully with them."
"Where are friends, Mum?"
Mum said: "You are a big boy now, sure you can find some yourself."
Mareng flew around in ever increasing circles. But did not meet any friends at all. Some birds he saw, but they were no fun and too small to play with. He was also scared he might harm the birds unintentionally. So Mareng decided to fly even closer to the ground. Then he saw two kinds of animals trying to play and catch things. He thought these animals were cats and dogs. They looked too nice to try to experiment with with his flames. So Mareng decided to copy their behaviour.
He started throwing medium sized flames to these creatures that were called flies. The flies jumped, screamed and sometimes burned as in an oven. Mareng decided this definitely was fun. He played and played. He produced flames of many colours, some red, some blue, some orange, some purple and yellow as well. He could also do combinations, which made them look like a rainbow.
Time flew by, and soon evening set in. The air cooled and Mareng went wild. More and more flies appeared for him to play with and kill.
This is how the little dragon Mareng invented: DRAGONFLIES. And when it was too dark to continue, he went back home and made a firm resolution to go and play this game every evening.
| Author Notes |
The art I found with Google, thanks to the maker.
This is written mainly in UK English. Possibly bit of Scottish mixed in. Many thanks to a few of my friends in this site for helping me with improving the language. |
By robina1978
As Mareng is going to be seven soon, his parents have to decide on a few things regarding the family's future. Mareng's mother and father sent Mareng away to catch some more dragonflies.They like to discuss the size of the family first.
Dad: "What do you think my wife, should we consider having more children?"
Mum: "I don't really think so. Things are difficult enough with this recession. And apart from that, the world is getting so nasty nowadays. What do you think yourself my dear?"
Dad: "I tend to agree with you. And we are a happy enough family. When Mareng has to start school things will be even more expensive. And the money is already a bit tight. I would like to give him the best education possible. We also need to buy or rent a house, before he can even start school. That all adds up to a huge amount of money dear."
Mum: "Well, then we agree. I think we first have to visit our doctor to get advice on birth control. Babies are not brought by the dragon storks, even children know that nowadays. Maybe we should tell Mareng; we have to think about that- he is still such a baby."
The following morning Mareng's parents made an appointment with their Dragon Doctor, for that same afternoon. Fortunately it was a time that Mareng was out. They only sat in the waiting room for a few minutes. Once in the consulting room, the Doctor explained what the best form of birth control for them would be, after also discussing some other methods. The safest way for them was the pill. He gave them a prescription after their decision was made. So they went past the pharmacist on their way home. Mareng's mother could start that same evening and after a month they would be safe.
When they came back Mareng was already waiting for them. They decided to have an early dinner and go to sleep soon after. The next day, they would tell Mareng, they all had to start looking for a place to live. They all slept well, they must have been tired.
The next morning Mareng's parents told him they were all going to look for a house.
Mum said: "Mareng, do you realize you will start school soon? This first means we all have to go house hunting."
Mareng: "What is a school and what is a house Mummy?"
Mum and Dad: "School is a place where you will learn even more than you have done so far. There are other children and teachers. The teachers are adults who will tell you what the are going to teach you. All new things of course. And you will get school reports after each year. You will be able to make friends with other small dragons."
Mareng: "Is school nice? Think it sounds different from my life so far."
Mum: "We think you will like it a lot, once you are used to it. Might be bit difficult for the first days."
Mareng: "Sounds not so bad; when do I start?"
Dad: Soon. But first we have to find a house. We will start looking today. And Mareng, a house is a place to live in all the time; so we don't constantly move around."
The following week the family spent most of their time house hunting. They looked through the dragon paper and went to several estate agents. They were shown all types of houses: detached, semi-detached, terraced. Most were for sale and they just could not afford them. After seeing about 25, they decided on the one they all liked best which was for rent at a reasonable price. It was almost as a castle, located on a mountain near the woods, the shops and the school. It looked very big, but inside it was just right. It looked so nice; all three fell in love with it at first sight. After a fortnight, they had it completely furnished. Mareng even had his own little bedroom. So they moved in and Mareng could start school on his seventh birthday. They did not have to buy school costumes since dragons just go to school as they are.
Mareng was so excited when the day arrived. Mum took him to school and stayed for a few minutes and then left. It was near where he always had been catching dragonflies, so he could get home himself after school.
This was Mareng's first day at school.
| Author Notes | Thanks to the maker of the picture that I found at the internet. |
By robina1978
Mareng's mother had said goodbye at the playground. So had all the other mothers and some fathers. A Dragon Teacher supervised the playground. Mareng thought she looked a bit like Mum; similar in colour and age. When he looked around he saw many small boy and girl dragons of different colours. He also saw some human boys and girls. He had seen human children before, when he played in the woods. His parents had explained to him what they were.
After a few minutes a bell rang. The teacher signaled them all to come in. As they passed her, she shook paws and hands. The teacher said: "Welcome, my dear; can you tell me your name please? My name is Mrs. Dragonlake." All the children and young dragons gave their names and said hello.
Mrs. Dragonlake then guided the first year pupils to their classroom. There were twelve pupils in total. The classroom was bright with huge windows and there were four rows of small desks. Each desk had a pen holder and an inkwell. She said: "Go ahead and pick which desk you like. I prefer boys to sit with boys, and girls with girls, that is all. After they sat down, she told them what she would expect from them.
Mrs. Dragonlake explained that they were to stay at their desks at all times. "You have to be quiet during lessons, unless I ask a question'. The you can try to answer me one at a time. Every day you will have two short breaks to play in the playground. And you will have one hour lunch break. For those who live close enough,they will go home. The others will stay at school."
"Your lessons include arithmetic, writing and learning to play with other children and certain animals. As this is your first day, we will start a lesson about playing."
Mrs. Dragonhead took them all outside. As the school was also near the woods, she took them there. First she asked them if they knew what the game hide and seek was.
Most children said: "No, Mrs. Dragonlake. Could you please tell us about it?"
Mrs. Dragonlake said:"One of you will be picked by me. I will put a blindfold on him or her, so he or she can't see. The others will hide at different places, not too far away, but you can't be too difficult to find. Then I will remove the blindfold and this child will try to find the others as fast as he or she can. Once all are found, the first one that was found is the next one to be 'it' and be blindfolded. Mareng, would you like to start?"
Mareng: "Yes please, Mrs. Dragonlake. It sounds fun and I don't mind the dark one little bit."
All the children went off to find a good hiding place. The teacher took the blindfold off and Mareng went off as quickly as he could. He found a small dragon girl first ( her name was: Mara) and in the next twenty minutes he managed to find all the rest.
Mrs. Dragonlake: "Well done, Mareng. Now it is Mara's turn."
They played till nearly lunch time. Then they went back to the classroom. Some had already made friends together. Mareng was closest to Mara. He liked her being a dragon too and with a nice orange-green colour and brown shining eyes.
Mareng went home during the lunch break, as their house was so nearby, that he could easily manage this. He told his parents all about the game they had played and about this nice dragon girl: Mara. He was so happy about his first morning. They ate their dragon breads. He had to go back to be in time that afternoon rather quickly. Mum and Dad told him they were pleased he liked it so much.
During the afternoon they sat at their desks apart from the break. After they all sat, Mrs. Dragonlake explained what the afternoon was about. She brought in a small animal and told them this is a cat.
"I will tell you what you have to do. We make two different groups for this: human children and dragon children. The humans can come over and carefully stroke this lovely cat one by one. You, dragon children, need some extra exercise before you can go near the cat. I will teach you how to use flames that can't hurt or burn the cat. It is similar to what you already learned from your parents, but slightly different."
Mareng and some other dragon children: "How do you mean different Mrs., Dragonlake?"
Mrs. Dragonlake: "I will teach you how to blow colder,harmless flames. They will be a lighter colour than you are used to or even grey sometimes; and no smoke coming of them."
Using some other speech exercises they all learned this speedily.
Then Mrs. Dragonlake took all the children one at a time to the cat. The first human kid stroked the cat and the cat started purring. Then Mareng used a light purple flame and the cat liked it as well: purring AND not burned at all. Apart from the small break this took the whole afternoon. All the children were thrilled. Just before the end of the afternoon the teacher told them not to try to do this yet without her being there. Then the bell went, signaling the end of their first school day. Mareng waved bye to all and went straight home. When he came home he was so tired that he went straight to bed. Mareng did not even tell Mum or Dad the story till later at dinner time. His parents were nearly as thrilled as he was.
| Author Notes |
Picture is of Mareng's school- from the internet.
Please be lenient on language and punctuation; if you are nice as almost always don't rate me less, but give tips as I am foreign. |
By robina1978
"Mareng goes on learning day by day, more and more.
Mum woke him up early every day so that he could bath, brush his teeth, get dressed and enjoy a quick dragon breakfast before school. He was never late and enjoyed it so much.
The second day Mrs. Dragonlake began the morning with language. They learned words bit by bit. Alternate days would be arithmetic in the morning. Every afternoon they usually practiced what they learned in the morning. They would have to go all through the alphabet.
Mrs. Dragonlake taught them some now:
"Ape is an animal that climbs trees
Bee is an insect that stings and sits on flowers
Cat you saw yesterday and stroked already
Dog has four paws like the cat, but has a different nature."
"So say after me children: a is for ape, that is an animal that climbs trees. b is for bee, that is an insect that stings and sits on flowers and so on."
All the children in chorus repeated sentence by sentence as the teacher asked them to do. First in alphabetical order and then criss cross. After repeating this ten times they all knew it pretty well.
Then they were asked to write on the board at the front of the class: a- ape, b- bee and so on. This took a bit longer, as they had to do it one by one. They loved their little mid-morning break relaxing and playing. By the end of the morning they all knew what they had been taught. Lunch break was taken at home by Mareng and some other children.
In the afternoon Mrs. Dragonlake took them to a house of one of the human children. There she introduced the group to the Mum and Dad of the house. This after they were greeted by- guess what -a dog. "This is Gypsy and she is a dog. What we are going to do one by one is stroke the dog, similar to what we did with the cat yesterday. But you may also give her some commands like sit, down, here, heel."
This was so nice for the children. They loved it and did very well. All of them, although it was slightly more difficult for the dragon kids.
The following day the morning was arithmetic. Mrs. Dragonlake had made drawings of bigger four-legged animals, the were horses. They were ten horses on the board. So they learned to count from one to ten. Some children struggled a bit with it. Mareng and Mara got it right fastest. They even did it together. This made them even closer friends. Once they had all learned it well enough, it was time for lunch.
At lunch time Mareng asked his parents if Mara could come and play with him after school. Mum happened to know Mara's Mum and phoned to see if this was OK with her. Mara's Mum agreed no problem. So Mareng could ask Mara to come to play that afternoon.
Just before they were called into school that afternoon, Mareng asked Mara if she would like to come with him after school. "Ooh yes please, Mareng, sounds like fun to me. I should ask Mum if it is alright."
Mareng: "my Mum phoned your Mum and she said it is fine with her."
The teacher asked them when they all sat: "Has anybody an idea where we will go today?"
Most children: "Uh, don't know Mrs. Dragonlake. It can't be a horse, can it? We don't know of any horses."
"That you guessed absolutely right. We'll walk a bit further and there are stables with many horses and small horses that are called ponies. We are allowed to use two ponies. They will be all saddled up for us; then we start with stroking and giving some carrots. Then two at a time you will ride on their backs."
"Is that not scary?", some children asked.
"Not at all, just wait and see."
And off they all went. It was about half an hour's walk. There were the stables near an old fashioned farm. You could see the horses and ponies from a distance. The children were giggling and screaming with joy. The teacher asked them to calm down somewhat. She was well in control as they quickly calmed down. So that afternoon they all stroked the horses and ponies. None of them were scared. They were allowed to give them some carrots. After this introduction all of them rode horseback on the ponies. The ponies were held by an adult human from the stables, so they would not trot and stay calm. Apart from one darkish human girl they all loved the ride; she was a bit scared and cried a little. Time passed too quickly.
They went back to the school. And Mareng and Mara left together for his house.
Mareng's Mum gave them lemonade and some dragon biscuits. Then off they went to the woods to play with some tiny animals. They had to be back before dark and so they were. Will this go so well all the time?
DON'T think so somehow. Just wait and see.
| Author Notes |
Picture of the internet-thanks to who posted it.
Being Dutch I try and improve my writing to my best ability, any help is welcome- but try not to be too harsh in judging. A big thanks and hugs to all of you helping me. |
By robina1978
The dragon children and the human children made very good progress at school over the year. The teacher and their parents were very pleased. The parents realized this was due to how well Mrs. Dragonlake had taught them. They talked about this with her this at the parent-teacher meeting. She was ever so pleased.
The children could now do more complicated writing, reading and arithmetic. They had met so many animals to play with that it would go too far to mention them all. At the end of the year geography and some history was added. The children liked this as it gave more variety.
Mareng and Mara were top of their class and also remained close friends. They both socialized with most other children at school, but after school they were inseparable. They did not play every day after school, because they also had to do homework. Mrs. Dragonlake and their parents had told them it was best to do it separately, so they could fully concentrate.
Mrs. Dragonlake told the whole class, as soon as they started getting homework:
"Children, I don't like you to play after school on the days I give you homework."
"Oh, why not? We like it so much to play after school. Could we not do our homework together and then play afterwards?"
"I think that won't work out. So I suggest three days of homework each on your own and then you still have four days left to play together. Wouldn't you all like to keep on getting good results?"
"Yes, we like good results. So we will do as you say." most of the children answered in chorus.
As you will understand, things changed for them. They did not like it at first and missed playing. But after a while they got used to it. Most parents also explained why it was better this way.
Towards the end of the school year they were allowed to play longer, as it did not get dark so early anymore. On the days without homework, they became more adventurous. Mareng and Mara strayed further and further and tended to come home later.
One day in June they lost track of each other. They had been flying over the woods and all over town. Mareng flew so high that he lost track of where he was.
"Mara, where are you?"
He heard nothing.
Mara, being closer to the woods and their homes: "Mareng where are you? I think it is time to go home as it will get dark soon."
She also heard nothing. After a while she became scared in the dusk and being all alone. So the only thing she could think of was to go home and tell his parents what had happened.
Mareng was by now completely lost. He was not scared as he was a boy and not easily scared. To try to locate Mara or either of their houses he flew even higher. This got him nowhere however.
Mara rang the doorbell at the house of Mareng's parents.
"I've lost Mareng- I am so sorry -I've looked every where and shouted for him. As it was getting dark I got scared and decided to come and tell you."
"Do you know where you lost each other, Mara?"
"No Mum ( she called Mareng's mother Mum as well ), we were so far away that I don't really know. But I managed to find my way back in the end. I hope you are not angry with me."
"No Mara, it is not your fault. Just go home, I will phone your Mum and tell her you are on the way. I am just worried about what might have happened to Mareng."
After another hour it was completely dark and there was still no sign of Mareng. His parents were worried sick by now. They decided to phone Mrs. Dragonlake, the police, some of their neighbours and the local hospital. Fortunately he was not in the hospital. And the police knew nothing either. The police asked what he looked like and what he had been wearing. They would put out a full alarm.
They asked Mareng's parents to stay beside the phone so they could be contacted.
The neighbours and Mara's parents made up a search party. Mrs Dragonlake by then had phoned all the other parents to see if Mareng might be with them. But he wasn't.
Mareng had found a lovely looking human girl- a lot older than him. She was nice looking and was flying over a lake. She said she was a princess. Mareng thought he could trust her and explained he was lost.
Princess: "Can you tell me exactly what your house and the woods nearby look like? Then maybe I can help you."
Mareng could explain that to her in great detail.
"Do you trust me enough to sit on your back, so we can look together? We can go much faster if I sit on your back, and you just follow my directions."
"Yes I am sure I can trust you and it will be fun to have you on my back. I also want to get back home as soon as I can. I am getting hungry and it is so dark now."
Mareng followed her instructions to the letter. An hour later they found his house. His parents were very pleased, but looked a bit funny, he thought. They let them both in. Mareng told his story as he always did when he came home. Then Mareng's parents told them how worried they had been and who were all looking for him.
They rang everybody to inform them Mareng had arrived home safely. Then they thanked the Princess for her kindness. As they did not want to get her lost as well, they accepted the offer from the police take her back home safely.
After she had left, Mareng was told off really seriously, and was sent to bed without any dinner. And for one free afternoon, he was not allowed to go and play. Of course they explained why so he would understand.
Mareng made a decision not to repeat this again. He did not fully understand, but the punishment made an impression.
| Author Notes |
Thanks to Lynnkah for the beautiful art.
Thanks to Robert and all my friends here for helping me to improve the story, I do try and learn from all of it. Hope I did make less mistakes this time. But be lenient as I am Dutch. Tips will be appreciated. |
By robina1978
Mrs. Dragonlake and most parents felt the class was doing so well under her guidance, that it would be best for the children if she stayed with them from year to year. That was why Mrs. Dragonlake went to see the head teacher. His name was Mr. Dragonhead.
"Mr. Dragonhead, could I have a word with you after school?"
"Well, of course, would 3.30 pm this afternoon be alright for you?"
"Fine, I will look forward to seeing you then."
This meant the teacher and the parents had to wait nearly a full day for the outcome. They were all a bit stressed, but hopeful. After the bell Mrs. Dragonlake went straight to the office of the head teacher.
"Hello, what is on your mind?"
"There is a matter I would like to discuss on behalf of the parents of my class. The parents and I think the children would benefit if I moved on with the class up to the last grade."
"Oh, this is a very unusual request, could you possibly clarify the reason?"
"The children in this class and I get on so well, that I think it would be good for them to stay under my guidance. I have not discussed it with them of course. But their parents indicated the same recently. So this is the reason and I sincerely hope that you can agree to this."
Mr. Dragonhead said he would have to think about it and suggested they have a cup of tea together and discuss it further. Ten minutes later the head master gave his decision:
"I feel, if this is your wish and that of the parents, I have to say yes."
Mrs. Dragonlake thanked him and went straight to the parents, who were waiting for her answer in the school yard. The parents were very pleased and thanked her for her effort. Jointly they decided that she would tell the children first thing the next morning. When the children heard she would stay with them, they were so pleased, as they all liked her very much.
Time went quickly for all involved: the teacher, the parents and the children. Each year had brought new challenges for the children. They loved growing up and all that came with it. The teacher and parents sometimes thought: 'how quickly they have grown.'
Almost every year most of the children passed on to the next class. If one or two did not manage, they were given an extra chance with extra lessons in the long summer break. Over the years this meant only two children did not pass to the next year.
The children were now at the level of the 6th grade. In the 6th grade they learned some French, as preparation for college. Near the end of the year they still had to pass an exam that would decide if they would be allowed to go to college and which one.
Most of them wanted to go to the same college. Mrs. Dragonlake had explained to them though this might not be possible and they had to be prepared for the possibility of being split up to go to different colleges. They should not worry though, as they would make new friends there.
Mareng and Mara begged to be allowed to stay together:
"You can't split us up Mrs. Dragonlake. We always play together after school. And we both would like to go to a college that makes it possible to go to university together later."
"What would you like to be?"
"I would like to be a Doctor. Mara would like to become a Doctor or a midwife."
"I promise you that both of you can go to the same college and that would also mean that you can stay together."
Mareng and Mara were over the moon with this answer. After school they went to both their houses to tell their parents the good news. They had a glass of lemonade and a celebration cake at Mara's place. Then they went off to play as it was a homework free afternoon.
They played badminton the dragon way. As they grew older, their play changed. In the distance they could see some older teenagers walking home from college. Both of them looked with interest. But then they saw such strange things.
Mareng: "Look Mara, they look so funny." He laughed at them.
"Why are you laughing, Mareng?"
"Look for yourself and you will see why."
Mara looked where Mareng pointed. And started giggling. Some teenagers were holding each other's hands and sometimes even kissing.
They said to each other, that they hoped they would never behave so silly.
Then they both went to their own house. Over dinner , they told their parents about what they had seen. Their parents looked at each other, said nothing and just smiled.
The end of June all children passed their exam. There was a huge celebration at school as the picture shows you.
| Author Notes |
The picture was found on the internet.
Go fast here, as a children's book should go fast to hold their attention. Please forgive or rectify me on spelling or grammatical mistakes. |
By robina1978
After the exam and the celebration, all dragons and children had a long summer break. The ones that would go to different colleges said their good-bye's on the day of the celebration. Some of them shed a tear, but most were very brave and said to each other:
"We might see each other again in the woods or on the street."
Some of the children went on holiday with their family. Mareng and Mara both stayed at home. Their parents explained to them that a holiday was just too expensive, as they would need new clothes and books for the college they would go to. Instead they had some days out, sometimes together and sometimes separate. It meant that they had plenty of time to play as they were used to.
Mareng's birthday was on the 29th of August; he became 12 years old. The two families celebrated this together with lemonade and a huge birthday cake. Early in the morning he got his present.
"Oh, a dog, just what I wanted. How did you know that Mum and Dad?"
"Mareng, don't you remember you asked for one a few month ago? You have to promise to look after it yourself of course: feed her and take her for walks."
"I'll love doing that, don't you worry. Mara and I can maybe sometimes take her out together. Can she come to college with us?"
"No Mareng, college won't accept dogs and it would distract you from learning."
"Well, will you look after her then? And I will come back as soon as I can."
"Of course we will, you should know that. We love this dog as well. What name would you like her to have?"
Mareng and Mara whispered for a little while. Then Mareng said:
"We both like Nicci as a name, that is short for Nicola."
"OK, here we have Nicci then. She will make a lovely addition to our family."
Straight away after their lemonade and cake, Mareng and Mara asked if they could take her for a walk. And off they went. They thoroughly enjoyed this stroll with three instead of two. And Nicci loved it as well. Nicci was different from the other dogs they had seen. She had wings just like a dragon. This pleased them as it meant she could not just walk, but also fly with them.
Before they knew it the holiday was over and they had to start college. Mareng hated to leave Nicci with his parents. But he understood that she would be there for him after school and he walked her before he left for college.
Nicci was looking at the pair of them going away to college. Mareng and Mara shed a wee tear; Nicci whined a bit.
But after a few days the all were used to this routine. And college brought them a new challenge.
You will hear more about college in the next chapter.
| Author Notes |
Thank so much to Lynnkah for the beautiful artwork.
Please be lenient with your judgement as I am Dutch; any suggestions to improve the language or punctuation are welcomed. If you don't like it, please just don't rate. |
By robina1978
One week before college was due to start Mareng and Mara and all the other dragons and children had to be present at college to collect their book list and hear about the requirements for their school uniforms. They were also given the rota for the first couple of weeks. This was also the first opportunity to meet the other children and dragons. It took just under two hours.
The mentor for their class took them into a classroom. He introduced himself as Mr. French and said to them:
"I will be the one who will be able to help you if you have any problems this year. The list of books are the books you have to buy. The bookshop in the Main Street sells both new and second-hand books. The college uniforms you can get in a shop a little bit further up the same street. Do you all understand?"
Mareng: "Mr. French, I am Mareng. Can you tell us please how to buy these things as Mara and I don't have any money?"
"Oh yes of course, I forgot to mention that. You take the list home and your parents will go with you and help select and pay for the things you'll need. Does anybody else have any questions?"
"No Mr. French, that is all quite clear." said the class in chorus.
"Then the next thing you have to know: you will have more different subjects than in primary school. They are English, maths, science, three extra languages (French, German and Latin ), history, geography, art and art history, gymnastics and for those that want to do some extra Greek. You will find out what is involved when you get started. Each subject is given by a different teacher, which means you will have to change classrooms regularly. College starts at 8.30 am, you will have shorter breaks and will stay at school for lunch. But you are free at 2.00 pm most days."
Mareng, Mara and a couple of other children: "Does this mean we have more time after school to go and play?"
"No, not usually. When you go home you'll have homework to do most days. Any time left over, you can play or do whatever you like. Some days you might have time at college if a teacher is ill and that time you can use to do part of your homework. Off you go now and I will see you this time next week."
Mareng and Mara went home together. They were a bit overwhelmed by all they had heard. This is why not much was said on their way home. As they had agreed they went to Mareng's house, where Mara's parents also waited. When they were all together their parents asked how it went. Questions and answers went from one to the other. When Mareng and Mara tried to talk through each other, one of the parents explained: "only one at a time now please. You are older now and have to learn to wait for your turn."
All that they had heard at college, they shared with their parents. They handed the lists over. Mareng's Mum asked: "What do you think, are you going to like it?"
Mareng : "Yes, I think it will be different, but that might be nice as well."
Mara replied along the same lines.
They all agreed upon a day and time to go to the shops together.
"What extra hobbies would you like to have?" The fathers asked.
"What do you mean, Dad?"
"Each of you can pick a sport to do and something with music."
As they always did Mareng and Mara had a little discussion. They decided not to do the same things. They did not need to as there would be enough time left to do things together. Mareng fancied playing the guitar and football. Mara wanted to go horse riding and play the piano.
So the parents added these to their list of things they had to do as soon as possible. Then they sent Mareng and Mara off to walk Nicci.
This made it a long day for all.
That is why you have to wait again for more the next time.
| Author Notes |
The picture came from the internet.
Please be lenient with your judgement again as I remain being foreign; any help with grammar, spelling and punctuation is welcome. |
By robina1978
None of the dragon teens nor human teens took long to get used to the new college routine. After a couple of weeks they were used to changing classrooms and slowly, but gradually to the new teachers as well. Not all teachers were equally well liked. Some could not keep order in the classroom; mind you that could at times give some additional fun.
The lessons that both Mareng and Mara enjoyed most were: English, the other languages, history and art. Mareng liked science and maths a lot, but Mara found them more difficult. As she still wanted to become a vet, she had to persevere and improve on these. Sometimes Mareng and Mara were allowed to do their home work together and then he would help her a bit. They also enjoyed their hobbies and did very well with them.
On the way home they often gave each other language practice.
Mareng, "Quesque voulez vous avoir comme un cadeaux au votre anniverse?"
"Je ne sais pas, mon ami Mareng. Je pense et pense. Avez vous un idee?"
"Voulez vous un cheval?"
"C'est un bon idee. Mais c'est trop plus d'argent."
"Un petit chien, comme Nicci? Nous pouvez trotter avec deux chiens."
"Ah bon, Mareng. Je veux demander cet cadeaux."
A couple of months later, they got their first results for tasks done at college. And to their surprise they both were still at the top of their class.
Mareng and Mara were praised by the teachers and their parents.
Now it was time for the autumn break. This break would only last a week, but they were determined to make the most of it. Halfway through the break it was Mara's birthday. Just as with Mareng's birthday the two families came together for the celebration.
Surely you can guess what Mara's present was: a male puppy (not with wings like Mareng's). After dragon birthday cake and lemonade, Mareng and Mara baptized him Artie. The name was chosen as they both loved art classes so much.
Artie would grow into a medium sized dog, but now he was still a puppy.
His colour was off-white and his ears straight.
Mara's parents explained it had to be taught a lot. It had to be home trained and learn to walk properly on the lead. To start with, Artie could only take small walks as he still needed a lot of sleep, just like babies.
The rest of their holiday they used for their hobbies, training Artie, walking the two dogs separately (Artie was too small to go with Nicci) and some playing in the woods. Occasionally they met some other children from their class and also from their previous school. One time they even bumped into Mrs. Dragonlake.
"How are you doing Mareng and Mara? Have you settled in college yet?"
"Yes we have, Mrs. Dragonlake. How nice to meet you again."
"Are your results at college still equally good?"
"Yes Mrs. Dragonlake, they are. And Mara celebrated her birthday recently. She also got a dog as a present; we each have one now, a male and a female."
"Sorry, I have to get on now, hope to meet you again sometime."
"Bye Mrs. Dragonlake, it was so nice to see you again."
Back to college now, their total freedom was over.
More classes and home work, but they were used to this. Soon it was nearly Christmas and the college organized a nativity play. Mareng was allowed to play the guitar and Mara the piano. This showed how much progress they had made with their hobbies as well. The nativity play had a stall, Mary and Joseph and the crib with a baby (a doll), sheep, kings, angels and shepherds. All the children involved had to do loads of practicing. In the big hall of the school and in their houses there were nicely decorated Christmas trees.
The play was on an evening, three days before the Christmas break. Most parents and all the teachers came to watch them. Even some people living near the college. It turned out to be a huge success and they received a standing ovation. They could be proud of their performance.
The rest of the year passed so quickly. Things seem to go fast when you are happy. They could walk the two dogs together. The dogs played and played, so did Mareng and Mara.
And at the end of the year all children and dragons passed to the next class. Only some had to do extra study during the summer break as they were slightly under the required standard.
What happens in the summer break and the years after you'll hear in the next chapters.
| Author Notes |
The photo from Artier I found on the internet.
Please be lenient on mistakes in grammar, punctuation and spelling as I am and will remain a foreigner. Your help will be appreciated. |
By robina1978
Once the Christmas holidays were over, it was back to college as usual. All the children were pleased to see each other again. Even Mareng and Mara enjoyed being back though it meant leaving the dogs with their parents. But they both knew the dogs were well cared for and waited for them to get home.
In the middle of the winter there was a lot of snow and ice. Imagine what they could do with that. Throw snowballs, for one. Go sledging, make a huge snowman and occasionally they could go ice-skating. Sometimes the school had to be closed, when the school heating was faulty or if too many teachers became ill.
Then they had extra time for skating.
One afternoon after school Mareng said to Mara:
"Shall we maybe put Nicci and Artie in front of the sledge; then they can have some fun as well? We won't have to pull so hard, but can relax together on the sledge. Just like Santa did."
"Are you sure we would be safe that way, Mareng? And more important will the dogs be safe?"
"Sure Mara, why do you always worry so much? You are a bit of a chicken sometimes!"
"No, I am not! Don't you say these kind of things to me, or I won't like you anymore. Well, let's give it a go and I will prove to you that I am not a chicken."
"OK Mara, sorry I said that. I really did not want to upset you."
They looked for and found some rope to make a harness for Nicci and Artie. It only took a minute to hook both dogs up. But neither of the dogs wanted to move.
"What now, Mareng?"
"I think we have to teach them how to pull the sledge first. So we will take turns in guiding them. I think then they will learn quickly."
It only took the dogs three hours to understand what they were being asked to do. When the knew it, Mareng and Mara both stepped on the sledge, expecting a smooth ride. The woods where they were had about a three inches of snow. The trees looked beautiful and eerie with all their branches covered in snow. It had stopped snowing the night before, so they had a clear view in the distance. They saw some footsteps in the snow - but not many. This shows how isolated the woods were. Some of people and some of dogs.
They went off in a shot. They laughed and screamed with excitement.
"Mara, how do we go around a corner?"
"I've never thought about that, the sledge has no steering wheel. And how do we stop the sledge, Mareng? We don't have any brakes either."
"We just have to hope and maybe pray, that it stops by itself or when the dogs stop."
Do you see what's coming here? They ended up in the bushes. All four got a fright, but were not harmed. They went home to get warm and dry again. Jointly they decided that this had not been their best idea of the season. Afterwards they took turns in guiding the sledge again.
Come half February all the snow and ice had gone. They were not so pleased, but that is how winter leaves almost as quickly as it arrives.
Back to the normal college routine. They had more time to work at their hobbies.
College proved not anymore difficult then before, therefore their home-work never took long. The dogs returned to being walked as if winter had never been there. Not long before the Summer break, they started to change their walking routine with the dogs. In the woods Nicci and Artie could play together off the lead. When they came near the road, they put them back on the lead. The temperature was in the low 20 degrees Celsius. This caused more people to go for walks.
Mareng:
"Mara, look, what is this? They are older kids, but they behave strangly holding hands and sometimes kissing as well. Have we not seen this before a long time ago?"
"Mareng, I can't see what you are talking about. Where are they?"
"Look I'll point my finger at some. Just next to the woods on the path. Do you see them now?"
"Yes, hahahaha. We will never be like this, will we? I think we have seen this quite a while ago, can't remember clearly."
"No of course not, Mara. Who would like doing this? Don't even see Mum and Dad do this."
"No, neither do I: hahaha it is so funny."
Mara's laughing was infectious. Booths started giggling and laughing holding on to their bellies and fortunately the dogs as well. They were still laughing when they arrived back home.
Mara:
"I think we had better not tell anybody about this, not even our parents."
"Yes, I agree that might be best, certainly not at college either."
In chorus:
"But we could go back sometimes just for a good laugh."
| Author Notes |
Artwork from the internet.
Mainly written in UK English, so sledge is sled for Americans I was just told-as one example. Please be lenient or refrain from reviewing. Any tips are welcomed of course. |
By robina1978
The year at college passed quickly. At the end of the Summer break, Nicci was nearly one year old and came into heat for the first time. They had by now been taught in the biology classes how baby animals and humans were made. Even so they did not fully understand all the facts. When Nicci started to lose some blood, their parents tried to explain it more fully:
"Mareng and Mara, Nicci losing blood means that shortly she and Artie will love each other and will be capable of making babies."
"Are you trying to tell us we might get small puppies? That would be great then, they would make a real family, just as we are with you."
"Yes, that could happen. But we really don't want more dogs. Especially as they are so different in size and it would cause so much work raising them all."
Mareng and Mara in chorus: "But we would like it. Can they really not have nice puppies? We promise we will look after them."
"No, and it really means no this time. You don't have time for it and neither do we. So It means from now on Nicci and Artie can't see each other for a while. Have you seen how they already behave differently and play in a different way?"
"Suppose we have. For how long can they not go out together and what happens afterwards? Not seeing each other is not nice for them as they will miss each other."
"In two months time, we will phone the vet and ask him to operate so they are not fertile anymore. And then they will never have to be separated anymore."
"Won't that hurt them?" Mara asked.
"No they will be under sedation and won't feel a thing. And in no time they will be back to their normal life."
Mareng and Mara now understood a lot more about love and getting babies. They would have liked Nicci and Mareng to have puppies, but if both pairs of parents really meant no without any more discussion, they knew that pleading would not help.
A couple of months later they were allowed to go with their parents to the vet.
They were allowed some time off college to go with their dogs. As Nicci had to stay a full day for the operation, it was decided to leave Artie there the same time. Just before dinner time they all went back to collect them. Nicci was still a bit drowsy after her operation and they were given the advice to let her rest for a while.
The Vet said: "They are not allowed to bite out their stitches. If they start chewing them, you will have to come back and they will get a collar to stop them biting them."
Mara: "They would not like that, would they?"
"No, they wouldn't. But they are so nice and calm, I don't think it will be necessary. So don't you worry about it. They will have to come back in one weeks time to get their stitches out. Until then, you had better not let them go swimming."
It all went well. After it was all over, Mareng and Mara decided to give a small lecture at college about all the experiences with their dogs. The biology teacher thought this was a very good idea. And rated their talk with a very high figure.
Now when they were walking together with the dogs, they sometimes discussed their own future.
Mara: "Mareng, do you think it would be possible that the same will happen to us as with Nicci and Artie?"
"Don't think so, we are just best friends or not. Falling in love must be different from being best friends, I think."
"Yes, I think so too. It might spoil us being friends. I never want that to happen. Do you?"
So they decided just to be best friends. They told their parents as well.
Their parents just smiled at each other. But they did not see this.
Sometimes parents can predict what will happen to their children. But they considered it best not to say anything.
| Author Notes |
This photo I found on the internet.
As I am still a foreigner, please give tips where needed and refrain from reviewing if you don't like it. |
By robina1978
There is not much more to tell about Mareng and Mara at college. You all know they were doing very well and they keep on doing so. They have never failed a paper and progressed as quickly as possible. They liked college and most things they learned there. Their classes towards the end became slightly smaller,although not by much, as some of their palls failed a class.
So this will be more about their spare time.
When they were sixteen they were told by their parents that they could do some work in their spare time and during the holidays.
Mareng's Mum and Dad:
"Mareng, you know you are legally allowed to work for money now, don't you?"
"Yes, of course, I know some teenagers in my class are already doing some work at different places. They earn money doing this. I would love to get my paws on some money as well and I will work hard for it."
"Do you know what you would like to do? You can choose whatever you want, as long as college does not suffer from it."
"I have been thinking about it and think I would like to do something that would give me some experience for the study I later want to do. I still want to become a Doctor, you know."
"Well, perhaps the local hospital could use an auxiliary nurse. You can either write an application letter or even better try to make an appointment with somebody at the personnel department."
"I think I will go there as soon after my birthday as possible. Will you allow me to keep my wages?"
"That is a good idea. And yes, you are allowed to keep the money. We can't afford to give you pocket money as you know. But this money will be all yours. Don't waste it though and try to use it wisely. We trust you will do that anyway. The best thing is to save some and to keep some for things you like to buy."
The next week Mareng went to the hospital and got the job he fancied straight away. He would earn 7,50 dollars an hour. He would work Saturday and one evening a week and most of the holidays. They had told him he had to do some cleaning, was allowed to put patients on and off the toilet, make beds and sometimes assist a registered nurse when asked and under her supervision. He was to start next week.
When he arrived back home he told his parents:
"I have a job from next week and guess how much I will earn."
"Marten, you will have to tell us. We really have no idea what kind of money is involved. And how often will you be working?"
"I will work one and a half day a week, and all holidays if I want to. But you won't believe how much it pays per hour: 7,50 dollars. Can I really keep all that?"
"That is quite a lot of money, we never guessed you would get so much. But you can keep it as we promised."
Just before Mara's birthday a similar talk took place in her house. She still wanted to become a vet. But as there were no jobs with vets available, she had to settle for a job in a pet shop. As she found out after she got it, it paid less ( 5,00 dollars an hour ). But she did not mind she would get plenty of experience with pets and their owners.
Mareng and Mara never really discussed the difference in money. But they talked about the things they did and how they liked their jobs almost better than college. It made them both feel like real adults and they did what they liked best. They still had enough time for their homework, their hobbies and walking the dogs together.
About one and a half years later ( they were both 17 years old by then ) the subject of learning to drive a car was brought up. The two families joined together for this. It was decided that they would share a cheap old car, as that was all they could afford, and put a L-plate on it. The parents could take turns with the tuition. As it was such a big expense for both families, Mareng and Mara were encouraged to make a contribution from their savings. Of course they had no objections to this.
Hopefully when each of them turned 18, they could sit their driving test. Their parents would pay for this.
Mareng and Mara loved their lessons and were quick learners. They almost never argued with the parent that was teaching them. Only very occasionally there was a bit of a hassle, when they thought injustice was done. And don't forget they both were in puberty now. In puberty it is normal to go against your parents. Not that their parents always liked it. But they realised it was a phase that would also pass.
As expected they both passed their test the first time. Mareng slightly sooner than Mara, as he was just a little bit older.
They were now allowed to use the car, but only for special occasions: if they had to go somewhere that was too far to walk. Their parents paid the insurance and most of the petrol, but they had to make a small contribution to the petrol.
The last year at college involved mainly repeating things they had learned before. As the final exams could involve everything they had been learning during their whole period at college. This made the year relatively easy for Mareng and Mara. In April the first exams started. The exams involved most subjects they had been taught, with the exemption of art, art history and gymnastics.
The exams were all over by the end of May. There were the same exams for the whole country. And the teachers had to make absolutely sure they could not copy one way or another.
After all the exams were passed, they did not have to attend college anymore. But for some it meant the start of a tense period. Only when the results were made public would they know if they had passed or not. If a pupil did not pass, they would get a phone call on the day of the results. If you heard nothing, you had to go to college at 3 pm and get your results.
Even Mareng and Mara were tense, especially on the day. But they received no call and went to college together. It was a very pleasant surprise that all the pupils from the 6th grade were there. That meant they had all passed their finals. Mareng and Mara were chuffed and almost forgot to phone their parents.
They were already on the way to the nearest ice-cream shop with a few of their palls, when Mara was the first to remember. Of course all made a call to home first.
About a week after getting their result, it was time for the grande finale: the graduation ball.
Mareng and Mara decided to go together. What else could they do as they were still best friends. Both of them got new outfits for this so special ball. Their Mums made them pick a design and then made it themselves. Mara chose this absolutely gorgeous long white dress with purple ribbons. Mareng chose a dark suit with a purple shirt in style with Mara's ribbons and a bow tie.
You have to wait now to hear about the ball and what happened to Mareng and Mara afterwards.
| Author Notes |
The picture I found on the internet, thanks maker, it is already of the ball.
Please be lenient again on mistakes as I am foreign, any tips to improve will be welcome. |
By robina1978
The evening of the ball, Mareng went to pick Mara up at her house. His parents drove him there and then the pair of them to the ball. Mara's parents would collect them again. This way Mareng and Mara could have a drink if they wanted one, this would be their first. The ball started at 8 pm and would finish at about 1 am. It was held at the gymnastic hall of the college.
Mareng and Mara had not seen what the other would be wearing before they saw each other on the evening itself.
Mareng:"You look so lovely, I really like your dress. I never even thought you could look so beautiful."
"You don't look bad yourself, The colour of your shirt kind of matches my evening dress. I really like it, it really makes us look like a couple, don't you think."
"I wonder what the other students will think of us. And I am so curious how they will be dressed."
"Yes, I wonder about these things as well. We will soon find out."
"It is also so nice that our parents take us and collect us again. Do you think this is a proper occasion to have our first drink?"
"The occasion justifies it. But I really don't know if I will like alcohol at all."
"There is only one way to find out: Try it and see what we think."
When they arrived at the college, many were already there and many more were still arriving. All were dressed in evening dresses and suits. Students as well as teachers.
Mareng and Mara got out of the car and said bye to Mareng's parents.
"Have fun both of you. Be careful with the amount of alcohol you take. It is your first time and it might effect you more. If it has too much effect, you might lose control over your flames and how you behave yourself in general."
In chorus: "Thanks, and we will be careful."
They entered the hall. It was full, but not too full. There were tables and chairs to sit down and a big empty space in the middle for the dancing. They chose a table near the back, so they could see what was happening. A few friends joined their table.
"Mara, can I get you a drink?"
"Yes please, but what shall I take?"
"I will go up there and try to get us something that I think we will both like."
Mareng picked a drink that tasted a bit like lemonade.
"Cheers Mara, to us."
"Yes, to us."
"Hmmm, this tastes really nice, don't you think?"
"Yes, I think so too. But let's drink it slowly like we were told."
The music had started now. They were asked by the mentor to start off the dance.
So they did. Soon most others joined them on the dance-floor. At the start the music was fast and they danced wildly, but controlled- often not holding each other. As the evening progressed the music became slower. They danced real close now, cheek to cheek. They each got a funny feeling that was so different from just being friends. They liked it and it scared them somewhat. They did not even discuss it together. Dancing the whole evening and a few sips of their drink in between.
Before they knew it, the evening was over. The light was dimmed to signal the evening was closing. That gave time for one last dance- at least for that evening. Mara's parents took the pair home.
A few days later, when they were walking the dogs, Mareng asked Mara:
"Did you also feel different when we were dancing?"
"Yes, I did. It was nice. Is that possibly how being in love feels?"
"Well, maybe. I liked it. But I never ever want it to spoil our friendship."
"Neither do I! But maybe it is possible to stay friends and still fall in love."
"It would be good to have both."
A letter arrived soon telling them that they had both been admitted to the same university. Mareng at the medical department and Mara at the veterinarian department. It was not far from their homes. So they would be able to travel there and back on a daily base.
In their period at university, they started dating. They took it slowly. But their love grew steadily.
After some years they decided to get engaged. It was better to wait with marriage till they both qualified and earned some money, so they could set up home together.
This is how it ends. They got married and were able to have their own house. The dogs moved to their house with them as they belonged together as well.
Mareng's and Mara's parents offered to babysit the dogs, when they were at work. And later not just the dogs but 2 gorgeous dragon grandchildren.
They all lived happily ever after.
| Author Notes | Written in UK English. Don't be hard on faults as I am foreign. Tips are appreciated. Please no low ratings, then just skip it. |
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